HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa vs IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: IDFC First Select has the lower annual fee (none vs ₹2,500); HDFC Regalia includes 8 airport lounge visits a year, IDFC First Select 2 airport lounge visits a quarter; IDFC First Select has the lower forex markup (0% vs 3.5%).
| Key facts | HDFC Regalia | IDFC First Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹2,500 | None |
| Joining fee | ₹2,500 | None |
| Annual fee waived | On ₹3 lakh annual spend | Not listed |
| Lounge access | 8 airport lounge visits a year | 2 airport lounge visits a quarter |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 0% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa and the IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card cater to different user preferences with distinct fee structures, reward programs, and travel benefits. Regalia offers higher reward points on a variety of spends and extensive lounge access, while IDFC First Select focuses on no fees and zero forex markup. Both cards provide concierge services, but their milestone and welcome benefits differ significantly.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa | Idfc First Select Visa Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | HDFC Bank | IDFC First Bank |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs. 2500 | No Joining Fees |
| Annual / renewal fee | Renewal Fee of Rs. 2500 | No Annual Fee |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.300000 For Renewal Fee Waiver | — |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 4 Rewards Points For Every Rs.200 | 3X Reward Points Upto Spends Rs.20000 |
| Lounge — domestic | 8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter |
| Lounge — international | 6 Complimentary International Lounge Access | — |
| Welcome benefit | — | 5% Cashback on EMI |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 10000 Bonus Rewards Points on Rs. 5 Lakhs Spends; Earn 15000 Rewards Points on Spend of Rs.8 Lakhs | — |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 0% - Zero Forex Markup |
Which is better for rewards?
The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa offers a straightforward reward program with 4 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent across retail, grocery, and insurance categories, along with milestone bonuses on high annual spends. In contrast, the IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card provides tiered reward multipliers including 3X points up to Rs. 20,000 spend, 10X points on spending beyond Rs. 20,000, and special rewards on birthdays and rental payments. While IDFC First Select’s rewards can be lucrative for specific categories and occasions, Regalia’s consistent reward rate and milestone bonuses make it more rewarding for regular and high spenders.
Which is better for travel?
For travel benefits, the HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa clearly leads with 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per year and 6 international lounge accesses, enhancing the travel experience. It also allows reward points redemption for travel at favorable rates. The IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card offers 2 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per quarter but lacks international lounge benefits. Therefore, Regalia is better suited for frequent travelers seeking premium lounge access and travel-related redemptions.
Which has lower effective cost?
Regarding fees, the IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card is more beginner-friendly with no joining or annual fees, making it a cost-effective choice for users wary of upfront or recurring charges. The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa charges a joining and renewal fee of Rs. 2500 each, with a waiver on renewal fees only after spending Rs. 3,00,000 annually. Additionally, Regalia has a higher forex markup fee of 3.5%, whereas IDFC First Select offers zero forex markup, which is advantageous for international transactions. Overall, IDFC First Select has a lower effective cost of ownership.
Forex Charges
The IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card offers zero forex markup, making it more economical for international transactions compared to the HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa, which charges a 3.5% forex markup fee.
Fee Waiver Complexity
HDFC Regalia requires an annual spend of Rs. 3,00,000 to waive the Rs. 2500 renewal fee, which may be challenging for some users. IDFC First Select has no renewal or joining fees, simplifying cost management.
Reward Redemption Flexibility
HDFC Regalia allows reward points to be redeemed for travel at a rate of 1 RP = 0.5 Airmiles or Rs. 0.5 for flights and hotels, whereas IDFC First Select offers a flat redemption rate of 1 Reward Point = Rs. 0.25, which may appeal to users preferring straightforward cashback equivalents.
Who should pick HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa?
Consider HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa if you are a frequent traveler who values extensive airport lounge access both domestically and internationally, and if you have high annual spends to benefit from milestone reward points and fee waivers. This card suits users looking for consistent reward points on diverse categories and premium travel-related perks.
Who should pick Idfc First Select Visa Credit Card?
Consider IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card if you prefer a no-fee credit card with zero forex markup and a flexible reward structure that offers accelerated points on specific spends like rentals, utilities, and birthdays. It is ideal for beginners or cost-conscious users who want decent rewards without the burden of joining or renewal fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card has no joining or annual fees, while the HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa charges Rs. 2500 for both joining and renewal, with a renewal fee waiver only after spending Rs. 3,00,000 annually.
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa offers more extensive lounge access with 8 domestic and 6 international complimentary visits per year, whereas IDFC First Select provides 2 domestic lounge accesses per quarter and no international lounge access.
IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card has zero forex markup fees, making it cost-effective for foreign transactions. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa charges a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions.
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa offers milestone rewards of 10,000 bonus points on Rs. 5 Lakhs spent and 15,000 points on Rs. 8 Lakhs spent annually. IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card does not have milestone rewards.
IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card offers a 5% cashback on the first EMI transaction and a Rs. 500 welcome voucher on spending Rs. 5,000 within 30 days. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa does not provide welcome benefits.
HDFC Regalia offers 4 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent across retail, grocery, and insurance categories with certain caps. IDFC First Select provides 3X points up to Rs. 20,000 spend, 10X points beyond that, and special multipliers on birthdays and rentals.